The night had deepened by the time Anastasia was led through the quiet halls of the palace. The celebration had ended, the laughter and music fading into the distance as the guests slowly departed. The prince's courtyard would be their bridal home.
Two maids walked ahead, their hands steady as they pushed open the heavy doors to the grand chamber. The room was vast, its high ceilings draped with silk, its large windows partially veiled by curtains embroidered with golden threads. A fire burned low in the hearth, casting a soft glow over the richly adorned space. The scent of fresh jasmine and lavender lingered in the air, likely placed there by attendants to set the mood for the night.
In the center stood the grand marriage bed, its canopy held up by intricately carved wooden posts. The sheets were of the finest linen, perfectly laid.
